When it comes to choosing a four-wheeled companion to go on a family road trip, the first genre that springs to mind is the MPV (short for Multi-Purpose Vehicle).
Mostly resembling a bread van, MPVs aren't the most exciting to look at and won't be the most satisfying or easiest to drive either.
But they do effortlessly what your sedans, hatchbacks or even wagons will struggle at, which is to ferry the family in comfort and yet have enough boot to lug along your picnic boxes or travel gears.
We first drove the French 5008 back in 2011 in its 1.6-litre petrol guise. Just last year, the range was updated with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel variant, which immediately grants it greater practicality in terms of running costs.
Mostly resembling a bread van, MPVs aren't the most exciting to look at and won't be the most satisfying or easiest to drive either.
But they do effortlessly what your sedans, hatchbacks or even wagons will struggle at, which is to ferry the family in comfort and yet have enough boot to lug along your picnic boxes or travel gears.
We first drove the French 5008 back in 2011 in its 1.6-litre petrol guise. Just last year, the range was updated with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel variant, which immediately grants it greater practicality in terms of running costs.
Up close and Personal
Most of the aesthetical revisions in this facelift are applied on the front facet. The sleeker-looking head lamps, together with the redesigned nose, give the MPV a more refined look. The sweeping front end also makes it feel less imposing, cleverly hiding its heft.
In contrast, the 5008's rear retains a rather boxy template, which is unmistakable of an MPV. The only changes here are the LED rear lamps, which have a more distinctive light signature now.
Most of the aesthetical revisions in this facelift are applied on the front facet. The sleeker-looking head lamps, together with the redesigned nose, give the MPV a more refined look. The sweeping front end also makes it feel less imposing, cleverly hiding its heft.
In contrast, the 5008's rear retains a rather boxy template, which is unmistakable of an MPV. The only changes here are the LED rear lamps, which have a more distinctive light signature now.
The facelifted 5008 also gains a handsome slew of driver aids, such as the 7.0-inch display with reverse camera function. Admittedly, however, the telephony function isn't the easiest to 'hook up' with.
Like before, the 5008 offers the option to seat up to seven people (though the last row is best kept for children), as well as a functional luggage space.
In its five-seat configuration, the MPV offers 823 litres of boot volume, which is one of the largest in its segment. In comparison, the Grand C4 Picasso has merely 700 litres.
The Drive
The facelifted model inherits an identical 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel unit as its predecessor, dealing 115bhp and 270Nm of torque. While those figures don't look very impressive, the torquey character of the engine makes the MPV feel relatively perky on the run.
The engine will respond with gusto when driven in a spiritedly manner, so much so that it could be mistaken for a bigger capacity unit. The low end torque also makes overtaking in the people carrier a relative breeze.
Like before, the 5008 offers the option to seat up to seven people (though the last row is best kept for children), as well as a functional luggage space.
In its five-seat configuration, the MPV offers 823 litres of boot volume, which is one of the largest in its segment. In comparison, the Grand C4 Picasso has merely 700 litres.
The Drive
The facelifted model inherits an identical 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel unit as its predecessor, dealing 115bhp and 270Nm of torque. While those figures don't look very impressive, the torquey character of the engine makes the MPV feel relatively perky on the run.
The engine will respond with gusto when driven in a spiritedly manner, so much so that it could be mistaken for a bigger capacity unit. The low end torque also makes overtaking in the people carrier a relative breeze.
The drivetrain is now mated to a revised six-speed ETG transmission. Although it works smoother and is more decisive than its predecessor, it is still not as intuitive as double-clutch gearboxes.
One slight qualm we have with the 5008, however, is the rather taut suspension, which can cause a bit of stir in the cabin over undulated tarmac.
Conclusion
There's little doubt that the 5008 has become more complete with this facelift by adding on a host of driver aids and a more user-friendly infotainment system with the new colour display.
Beyond doubt, the ride and handling aren't the best in class but the 5008's trump card lies in its practicality (in terms of fuel efficiency and generous cabin space), and those looking for these traits should find it a compelling choice.
One slight qualm we have with the 5008, however, is the rather taut suspension, which can cause a bit of stir in the cabin over undulated tarmac.
Conclusion
There's little doubt that the 5008 has become more complete with this facelift by adding on a host of driver aids and a more user-friendly infotainment system with the new colour display.
Beyond doubt, the ride and handling aren't the best in class but the 5008's trump card lies in its practicality (in terms of fuel efficiency and generous cabin space), and those looking for these traits should find it a compelling choice.
